This time a fire started near one of the doors of Environmental Reclamation & Recycling.

The building, which is across the street from residential homes, was abandoned years ago and became an illegal dump site for construction crews who did not want to pay to properly dispose of construction waste, including asbestos, according to Des Moines Fire Department spokesman Capt. Steve Brown.

Firefighters had to wear masks and keep their distance from the building while they put out the fire Thursday afternoon.

Brown said the building is also frequently vandalized.

The building has been on the city and DNR's radar for a while, Brown said. But people interested in purchasing the building walk away when they find out about the asbestos, which is costly to remove.